Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Should I Have a Hysterectomy?

Guides through decision to treat abnormal uterine bleeding. Explains symptoms that doctor would look for before recommending treatment. Covers benefits and risks. Includes an interactive tool to help you make your decision.

Medical review:

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Should I Have a Hysterectomy?

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Compare your options

Have a hysterectomy to fix abnormal bleedingHave a hysterectomy to fix abnormal bleeding

Surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours.

You may stay in the hospital for 2 or 3 days.

Recovery usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.

You will no longer have periods or be able to get pregnant.

Removing the uterus stops all bleeding.

You won't have side effects from taking hormone medicine.

Surgery lowers your risk of uterine and cervical cancers.

Sex may be more enjoyable because you won't worry about getting pregnant.

You have the risks from major surgery, which include infection, blood clots, damage to the bladder or bowels, and bleeding.

You will no longer be able to get pregnant.

Don't have a hysterectomy to fix abnormal bleeding Don't have a hysterectomy to fix abnormal bleeding

You may wait to see if the bleeding gets better on its own.

You may try hormone medicines, such as birth control pills, progestin pills, or an IUD that contains hormone medicine.

You may choose to have a procedure such as an endometrial ablation.

Bleeding could get better on its own.

Other treatments—hormones or ablation—often work well to reduce bleeding.

Progestin and birth control pills help make your periods regular.

Birth control pills can help ease menopause symptoms and can lower the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.

You may be able to get pregnant when you want.

Hormone side effects may include tender breasts, headaches, nausea, and bloating.

Certain birth control pills increase the risk of blood clots. This risk is higher if you are over 35 and smoke.

Problems with ablation are rare but can be serious. They include puncture of the uterus, sudden blockage of blood flow in the lung, and burns to the uterus or the surface of the bowel.

If you have ablation, you will no longer be able to get pregnant.

Personal stories about treating abnormal uterine bleeding

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

I was surprised when my doctor called my heavy periods "abnormal." He told me that it isn't serious but that I could try a treatment that would lighten the bleeding. I didn't really want to take daily birth control pills. When he said that a special IUD with hormones might control the bleeding, I thought I might as well try it, because it also keeps me from getting pregnant. The IUD worked. I don't have heavy periods anymore, and I feel great.

Jean, age 29

I had such bad, heavy periods that I ended up in the emergency room. I was losing so much blood. I tried taking birth control pills for a while, but that didn't really help much. So then I tried endometrial ablation. That worked for 3 years, but now I'm just about back to where I started. I'm having a hysterectomy next week, and I'll be so relieved to get rid of the problem once and for all.

Megan, age 38

I'd heard that I could take the Pill for my irregular periods, mood swings, and hot flashes. My nurse practitioner wanted to be sure I didn't have anything like uterine cancer. So I had tests and a biopsy first, because at my age, cancer risk is a concern. Anyway, I checked out fine and started the Pill. It didn't really help. In fact, I got kind of depressed. Then I tried another kind of Pill, and the hormones seemed to be better for me. My mood is better, and the bleeding is at least more regular, and it's gotten less and less over the past few months.

Carlotta, age 45

My periods were so unpredictable. They drove me crazy! One month, my period might start 3 weeks after the last one and be light, and next time it wouldn't start until 6 weeks later. Then, it would be very heavy and last a long time. When I had heavy bleeding, it was so bad I couldn't exercise. And I'm an active person, so this was really getting me down. I tried hormone medicine for a while, but it didn't help enough. I'm done having kids, so I just wanted to get on with my life. I had a hysterectomy and don't regret it one bit.

Melissa, age 40

What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to have a hysterectomy for uterine bleeding

Reasons not to have a hysterectomy for uterine bleeding

My symptoms make it hard to enjoy my daily life.

I'm still able to do the things I enjoy.

More important

Equally important

More important

I don't plan to get pregnant in the future.

I may want to get pregnant in the future.

More important

Equally important

More important

I'm worried about the side effects of hormones.

I'm not worried about the side effects from hormones.

More important

Equally important

More important

I've tried everything else, and nothing seems to work.

There are some other treatments I want to try first.

More important

Equally important

More important

The idea of major surgery doesn't scare me.

I want to do everything I can to avoid surgery.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Having a hysterectomy

NOT having a hysterectomy

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1.1, I can have a hysterectomy later if other treatments don't work.

TrueYou're right. A hysterectomy is still a choice if you try other treatments and they fail to help.

FalseSorry, that's not right. A hysterectomy is still a choice if you try other treatments and they fail to help.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." A hysterectomy is still a choice if you try other treatments and they fail to help.

2.2, For some women, hormone medicines work well to stop uterine bleeding.

TrueYes, that's correct. Abnormal bleeding can often be managed with hormones.

FalseSorry, that's not right. Abnormal bleeding can often be managed with hormones.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." Abnormal bleeding can often be managed with hormones.

3.3, A hysterectomy may not be the best choice if I want to get pregnant in the future.

TrueYes, that's correct. You can no longer get pregnant after a hysterectomy.

FalseSorry, that's not right. You can no longer get pregnant after a hysterectomy.

I'm not sureIt may help to go back and read "Get the Facts." You can no longer get pregnant after a hysterectomy.

You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.

Abnormal Uterine Bleeding: Should I Have a Hysterectomy?

Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.

How is abnormal bleeding treated?

Watchful waiting. Sometimes the bleeding gets better on its own. Menstrual cycles usually even out as a teen's body matures. A woman's cycles end at menopause.

Hormone treatment.

Birth control (progestin and estrogen) pills can help make your cycle regular, prevent ovulation, and reduce or stop menstrual bleeding.

Progestin treatment can help you start bleeding normally.

The levonorgestrel IUD releases a form of the hormone progesterone into the uterus. This reduces bleeding and prevents pregnancy.

Endometrial ablation. The doctor uses a laser beam, heat, electricity, freezing, or microwaves to destroy the lining of your uterus. This treatment may give longer-term relief.

Hysterectomy. This is surgery to remove the uterus. It ends heavy bleeding that can't be stopped in other ways.

What are the risks of hormone treatment?

Birth control pills, birth control patches, and vaginal rings for birth control sometimes cause these side effects:

Tender breasts.

Headaches, nausea, and bloating.

Blood clots. This risk is higher if you are over 35 and smoke.

If you want to get pregnant, you will have to wait until you have stopped taking hormones.

IUDs have other risks, such as:

Infection.

Heavier bleeding.

What are the risks of endometrial ablation?

Problems are rare but can be severe. They include:

Puncture of the uterus.

Burns to the uterus or the surface of the bowel.

Buildup of fluid in the lungs.

What are the risks of hysterectomy?

Problems are rare but include:

Continued heavy bleeding. Some vaginal bleeding within 4 to 6 weeks after surgery is normal.

Problems related to surgery and anesthesia, such as:

Blood clots in the legs or the lungs.

Injury to the bladder or bowel.

Bleeding.

Infection.

Why might your doctor recommend hysterectomy?

You have severe symptoms.

You're not close to menopause.

You don't plan to get pregnant.

You tried other treatments, but your symptoms are still bad.

2. Compare your options

Have a hysterectomy to fix abnormal bleeding

Don't have a hysterectomy to fix abnormal bleeding

What is usually involved?

Surgery takes about 1 to 2 hours.

You may stay in the hospital for 2 or 3 days.

Recovery usually takes 4 to 6 weeks.

You will no longer have periods or be able to get pregnant.

You may wait to see if the bleeding gets better on its own.

You may try hormone medicines, such as birth control pills, progestin pills, or an IUD that contains hormone medicine.

You may choose to have a procedure such as an endometrial ablation.

What are the benefits?

Removing the uterus stops all bleeding.

You won't have side effects from taking hormone medicine.

Surgery lowers your risk of uterine and cervical cancers.

Sex may be more enjoyable because you won't worry about getting pregnant.

Bleeding could get better on its own.

Other treatments—hormones or ablation—often work well to reduce bleeding.

Progestin and birth control pills help make your periods regular.

Birth control pills can help ease menopause symptoms and can lower the risk of ovarian and uterine cancer.

You may be able to get pregnant when you want.

What are the risks and side effects?

You have the risks from major surgery, which include infection, blood clots, damage to the bladder or bowels, and bleeding.

You will no longer be able to get pregnant.

Hormone side effects may include tender breasts, headaches, nausea, and bloating.

Certain birth control pills increase the risk of blood clots. This risk is higher if you are over 35 and smoke.

Problems with ablation are rare but can be serious. They include puncture of the uterus, sudden blockage of blood flow in the lung, and burns to the uterus or the surface of the bowel.

If you have ablation, you will no longer be able to get pregnant.

Personal stories

Personal stories about treating abnormal uterine bleeding

These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.

"I was surprised when my doctor called my heavy periods "abnormal." He told me that it isn't serious but that I could try a treatment that would lighten the bleeding. I didn't really want to take daily birth control pills. When he said that a special IUD with hormones might control the bleeding, I thought I might as well try it, because it also keeps me from getting pregnant. The IUD worked. I don't have heavy periods anymore, and I feel great."

— Jean, age 29

"I had such bad, heavy periods that I ended up in the emergency room. I was losing so much blood. I tried taking birth control pills for a while, but that didn't really help much. So then I tried endometrial ablation. That worked for 3 years, but now I'm just about back to where I started. I'm having a hysterectomy next week, and I'll be so relieved to get rid of the problem once and for all."

— Megan, age 38

"I'd heard that I could take the Pill for my irregular periods, mood swings, and hot flashes. My nurse practitioner wanted to be sure I didn't have anything like uterine cancer. So I had tests and a biopsy first, because at my age, cancer risk is a concern. Anyway, I checked out fine and started the Pill. It didn't really help. In fact, I got kind of depressed. Then I tried another kind of Pill, and the hormones seemed to be better for me. My mood is better, and the bleeding is at least more regular, and it's gotten less and less over the past few months."

— Carlotta, age 45

"My periods were so unpredictable. They drove me crazy! One month, my period might start 3 weeks after the last one and be light, and next time it wouldn't start until 6 weeks later. Then, it would be very heavy and last a long time. When I had heavy bleeding, it was so bad I couldn't exercise. And I'm an active person, so this was really getting me down. I tried hormone medicine for a while, but it didn't help enough. I'm done having kids, so I just wanted to get on with my life. I had a hysterectomy and don't regret it one bit."

— Melissa, age 40

3. What matters most to you?

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to have a hysterectomy for uterine bleeding

Reasons not to have a hysterectomy for uterine bleeding

My symptoms make it hard to enjoy my daily life.

I'm still able to do the things I enjoy.

More important

Equally important

More important

I don't plan to get pregnant in the future.

I may want to get pregnant in the future.

More important

Equally important

More important

I'm worried about the side effects of hormones.

I'm not worried about the side effects from hormones.

More important

Equally important

More important

I've tried everything else, and nothing seems to work.

There are some other treatments I want to try first.

More important

Equally important

More important

The idea of major surgery doesn't scare me.

I want to do everything I can to avoid surgery.

More important

Equally important

More important

My other important reasons:

My other important reasons:

More important

Equally important

More important

4. Where are you leaning now?

Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.

Having a hysterectomy

NOT having a hysterectomy

Leaning toward

Undecided

Leaning toward

5. What else do you need to make your decision?

Check the facts

1. I can have a hysterectomy later if other treatments don't work.

True

False

I'm not sure

You're right. A hysterectomy is still a choice if you try other treatments and they fail to help.

2. For some women, hormone medicines work well to stop uterine bleeding.

True

False

I'm not sure

Yes, that's correct. Abnormal bleeding can often be managed with hormones.

3. A hysterectomy may not be the best choice if I want to get pregnant in the future.

True

False

I'm not sure

Yes, that's correct. You can no longer get pregnant after a hysterectomy.

Decide what's next

1. Do you understand the options available to you?

Yes

No

2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?

Yes

No

3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?

Yes

No

Certainty

1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?

Not sure at all

Somewhat sure

Very sure

2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.

I'm ready to take action.

I want to discuss the options with others.

I want to learn more about my options.

Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps.

Credits

By

Healthwise Staff

Primary Medical Reviewer

Kathleen Romito MD - Family Medicine

Primary Medical Reviewer

Martin J. Gabica MD - Family Medicine

Primary Medical Reviewer

Kirtly Jones MD - Obstetrics and Gynecology

Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

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